BOX SCORE
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - (Sept. 16) It was a double sweep for Seattle University volleyball to close out the Rutgers Invitational, and non-conference play, Friday in New Brunswick, N.J.
The Redhawks (7-6) began the day with a 28-26, 25-17, 28-26 win over Seton Hall (5-6) and followed in the evening with a 25-17, 25-23, 25-22 sweep of the host Scarlet Knights - the first win over a Big Ten program in SU volleyball history.
“The momentum from today is great as we head into WAC play,” said SU Head Coach James Finley. “We had an outstanding performance this morning against Seton Hall with amazing play from Matea (Mamic), Shae (Harris) and Iris (Ivanis).
“We had good team effort tonight, good offense for the day and outstanding aggressive serving,” said Finley. “Tonight, our two freshman middles made the difference with good numbers and great hitting percentages.”
Matea Mamic led the way against the Pirates, finishing with 22 kills on 45 swings with just two errors. The senior outside hitter added five digs and two blocks.
Freshman Katarina Marinkovic added 15 kills on 36 swings with just three errors to go along with five digs and four blocks. Iris Ivanis had 20 digs in the three-set victory and Shae Harris dished 41 assists.
The Redhawks hit .350 for the match while holding a 10.0-6.0 block advantage over Seton Hall.
Against the Scarlet Knights, it was SU’s rookies who led the way. Marinkovic led all players with 10 kills to go along with six digs. Freshman middle Kory White had eight kills on 14 swings and just one error while classmate Katarina Glavninic had six kills on 10 swings with zero errors. White and Mamic also had three service aces apiece as the Redhawks finished with nine total aces.
SU trailed early in the first set against Rutgers, but pulled ahead 14-11 on a Glavinic kill and never looked back.
Set two went down to the wire as the teams were tied at 20-20 before three straight RU attack error gave Seattle U a 23-20 advantage on their way to a 25-22 win. The third set was all Redhawks as they quickly built a 6-1 lead and held on down the stretch for the sweep.
Western Athletic Conference play is on tap for the Redhawks as they open league action at New Mexico State on Thursday, Sept. 22.